Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026
Last recorded step: none recorded yet.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would provide grants and tax credit bonds to fund infrastructure improvements, green upgrades, and repairs for public schools.
What it does
This bill would provide funding to states and local educational agencies to improve public school facilities through a need-based grant program and the restoration of school infrastructure tax credit bonds. The proposal would require funded projects to follow specific environmental standards, hazard-resistance building codes, and "Buy America" requirements for construction materials. Additionally, the bill would establish the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability, extend the Impact Aid Construction program through 2031, and create a grant program to repair school foundations damaged by pyrrhotite.
Who is affected
This bill affects local educational agencies (LEAs) and public elementary and secondary schools, particularly those requiring facility repairs, improved air quality, or accessibility upgrades for individuals with disabilities. It also impacts the Department of Education through the creation of the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability, as well as domestic manufacturers of iron, steel, and other products due to Buy America requirements. Additionally, LEAs managing schools with foundations affected by pyrrhotite or those participating in the Impact Aid Construction program are specifically addressed.
Key provisions
- School Facility Improvement Grants. Allocates funds to states and establishes a need-based grant program for local educational agencies to perform major repairs, improve indoor air quality, and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Construction Standards and Domestic Requirements. Requires funded projects to comply with hazard-resistance building codes, EPA WaterSense criteria, and green environmental standards. It also mandates the use of American-made iron, steel, and manufactured products.
- Infrastructure Financing and Program Extensions. Restores school infrastructure tax credit bonds and extends the Impact Aid Construction program through fiscal year 2031.
- Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability. Establishes a new office within the Department of Education dedicated to school infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
- Concrete Foundation Repair Grants. Creates a grant program to help local educational agencies repair or replace concrete foundations damaged by pyrrhotite.
- Reporting and Oversight Requirements. Mandates annual project reports and a Government Accountability Office study on the geographic distribution of projects and their impact on health, safety, and high-needs schools.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The bill extends the Impact Aid Construction program through fiscal year 2031.
Relationship to existing law
This bill extends the Impact Aid Construction program through fiscal year 2031 and restores school infrastructure tax credit bonds. Additionally, it requires local educational agencies to comply with existing federal standards, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program and Buy America requirements for manufactured products.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to support long-term improvements to public elementary and secondary school facilities through state allocations, need-based grants for local educational agencies, and the restoration of school infrastructure tax credit bonds. Its purpose includes facilitating major repairs, improving indoor air quality, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and addressing specific infrastructure issues such as crumbling concrete foundations.